Facts:

The appellant and his wife went on a honeymoon trip after four months of marriage and spent several days together.

Upon their return journey, the wife disappeared from the train.

A few days later, a dead body of a woman was found near the railway track, but it was unrecognizable.

Despite initial suspicions, further investigation revealed discrepancies, including differences in clothing and doubts from family members about the identity of the body.

Issues:

Whether the prosecution could establish beyond reasonable doubt that the dead body was that of the appellant's wife and that her death was unnatural.

Whether the prosecution could prove charges related to dowry demand and harassment under various sections of the Penal Code.

Held:

The testimony of witnesses established that the wife was seen alive with the appellant in the train till a station far away from where the dead body was found, making it unlikely that the body was hers.

The post-mortem report and other evidence cast doubt on the identity of the dead body as that of the appellant's wife.

The prosecution failed to provide evidence on how and when poison was administered to the deceased, despite finding poisonous substances in the body.

The DNA test conducted at a private laboratory lacked credibility due to procedural deficiencies.

The prosecution's case lacked direct evidence and relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, which did not meet the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

The investigation process was criticized for various shortcomings, including the failure to produce crucial evidence and conduct proper tests.

Decision: The appeal was allowed, and the appellant was ordered to be set at liberty as the prosecution failed to prove the charges against him beyond reasonable doubt.

Facts:

The case pertains to a dispute regarding the Reserve Bank of India's obligation to disclose information under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act), particularly concerning its relationship with other banks and the extent of fiduciary duty involved.

Issues:

Whether the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is obligated to disclose certain information under the RTI Act, and if so, to what extent.

Additionally, the court addresses the concept of fiduciary relationships in the context of RBI's interactions with other banks.

Held:

The Court affirms the importance of the right to information as a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution and the enactment of the RTI Act to facilitate access to information on matters of public concern.

While acknowledging that the right to information is not absolute, the Court emphasizes the necessity of transparency and accountability in governance.

Regarding fiduciary relationships, the Court clarifies that the RBI's duty primarily lies in upholding the interest of the public at large, rather than fostering a fiduciary relationship with other banks.

The Court rejects the RBI's argument that disclosing certain information would harm the economic interest of the nation, stating that transparency serves the public interest and prevents the concealment of irregularities.

It is affirmed that the RBI, as a public authority, is bound by the provisions of the RTI Act, and withholding information on grounds such as economic interest or fiduciary relationship is not justified in this case.

Facts:

Hari Shankar Vidyarthi married Savitri Vidyarthi and later married Rama Vidyarthi. Rama Vidyarthi purchased a property, which was claimed to be joint family property.

Various suits were filed regarding the property, with disputes arising over its ownership and division among family members.

The appellant, Shreya Vidyarthi, contested the claims made by Ashok Vidyarthi, the respondent, regarding the property.

Issues:

Whether the property was purchased using joint family funds or Rama Vidyarthi's personal funds.

Whether a Hindu widow can act as the manager of an HUF and look after the affairs of a minor coparcener.

The legality of the High Court's decision regarding the partition of the property and the apportionment of shares.

Held:

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the property was purchased using joint family funds, including insurance money received by Rama Vidyarthi. Thus, it was considered joint family property.

The court clarified that while Hindu widows cannot act as Karta (head) of the HUF, they can act as managers in their capacity as legal guardians of minor coparceners. This distinction was crucial, and Rama Vidyarthi's management role was deemed legitimate.

The court found no error in the High Court's decision regarding the apportionment of shares in the property among the parties involved.

The previous litigation history did not affect the maintainability of the current suit.

The appeals were dismissed, and each party was left to bear its own costs.

Facts:

The Sri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee filed a claim for recording the lands in favor of the Temple, which were previously vested in the State Government under the Orissa Estate Abolition Act, 1951.

The Math challenged this claim, asserting that the lands were accorded the status of 'amrutamanohi' and recorded as Trust Estate under Section 2(oo) of the OEA Act. The dispute arose due to conflicting provisions of the Temple Act, 1955, and the OEA Act, 1951.

Issues:

Whether the lands belonging to the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri were vested in the Temple Management Committee under the Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955?

Whether the provisions of the Orissa Estate Abolition Act, 1951, could divest the Temple Committee of its vested lands?

What was the effect of the conflicting provisions of the Temple Act, 1955, and the OEA Act, 1951, on the status of the Temple lands?

Held:

The Court struck down the first part of the proviso of Section 2(oo) of the Orissa Estate Abolition Act, 1951, which pertained to the properties of Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri.

It quashed the notification issued by the State Government under Section 3A of the OEA Act, 1951, to the extent it applied to the lands and estate of Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri.

The Court clarified that the decision in the previous case of Lord Jagannath did not bar the instant case by res judicata.

The Court also deemed the previous judgment to be per incuriam, as it was passed without considering the provisions of the Temple Act, 1955.

The Court emphasized the primacy of the Temple Act, 1955, over any other legislation concerning the Jagannath Temple lands, stating that the Temple lands were already vested in the Temple Management Committee under this Act.

The Court held that the conflicting provisions of the OEA Act, 1951, and the Temple Act, 1955, could not coexist, and struck down the first part of the proviso to maintain the effectiveness of both acts.

Additionally, the Court ruled that the lands of the Jagannath Temple at Puri were already vested in the Temple Committee under the Temple Act, 1955, and could not be divested by applying the provisions of the OEA Act, 1951.

The Court concluded that since the provisions of the OEA Act, 1951, had no application to the lands of the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri, there was no need to pass an order in favor of the Temple under the OEA Act, 1951.

Facts:

The case involves an appeal against the acquittal of two accused persons, the husband and mother-in-law of the deceased, by the High Court of Bombay.

The deceased, Asha Hemant Chauriwal, suffered burn injuries and subsequently died due to septicemia.

The prosecution's case relied on a dying declaration made by the deceased and alleged letters written by her to her father, indicating cruelty by her in-laws.

Issues:

The Trial Court convicted the accused based on these evidences, but the High Court acquitted them, citing lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

The Supreme Court examined the arguments presented by both sides.

It observed several discrepancies and lapses in the investigation and handling of evidence by the prosecution.

Held:

The Court upheld the High Court's judgment of acquittal, finding no compelling reasons to interfere.

The dying declaration lacked proper corroboration, and the circumstances surrounding its recording raised doubts about its reliability.

The alleged letters were not adequately proven to be written by the deceased, and contradictions in witness testimonies further weakened the prosecution's case.

The Investigating Officer failed to conduct a thorough investigation, which could have clarified important aspects of the case.

Therefore, the appeals filed by the State of Maharashtra were dismissed.

Facts:

The incident occurred on 9th October 2002, involving the accused persons allegedly assaulting and causing the death of Ashok Kumar.

Eyewitnesses provided testimony, and circumstantial evidence was presented by the prosecution.

The Trial Court convicted the accused, but the High Court later acquitted them due to gaps and discrepancies in the evidence.

Issues:

Whether the prosecution's evidence was sufficient to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

Whether the High Court's decision to acquit the accused was justified based on the evidence presented.

Held:

The Supreme Court examined the testimonies and evidence presented before it and found that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt. Key eyewitnesses, including the complainant and another witness, turned hostile during the trial, casting doubt on the reliability of their testimonies.

The Court noted inconsistencies in witness statements and highlighted deficiencies in the medical evidence provided by the prosecution. While a motive was established through witness testimony, it was not substantive evidence and could not alone support a conviction.

Based on the above analysis, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to acquit the accused persons. It found no grounds to interfere with the judgment and dismissed the appeals.

Facts:

Various writ petitions and transfer petitions were filed concerning the "collegium system" for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary.

Suggestions were received from stakeholders regarding improvements to the collegium system.

A committee was formed to compile these suggestions.

The Government of India was involved in the process, particularly regarding the finalization of the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments.

Issues:

Whether additional measures could be incorporated to improve the functioning of the collegium system.

Whether the responsibility of amending the Memorandum of Procedure lies with the judiciary or the executive.

Held:

The court held that the responsibility of amending the Memorandum of Procedure for the appointment of judges lies with the executive, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

The court directed the Government of India to finalize the Memorandum of Procedure, supplementing it based on suggestions and consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

The Memorandum of Procedure should consider factors such as eligibility criteria, transparency in the appointment process, establishment of a secretariat for managing appointments, procedures for handling complaints against appointees, and any other relevant matters. These directives aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and the faithful implementation of principles laid down in previous judgments.

Facts:

The case involved a dispute regarding the inclusion of PD/ charges and ASS charges in the assessable value for the purpose of paying excise duty. The expenses for these services were borne solely by the dealer, not the manufacturer.

Issues:

Whether PD/ charges and free ASS charges should be considered part of the assessable value under Section 4 of the Central Excise Act.

Held:

The court held that expenses incurred by the dealer for PD/ and ASS charges, which were not borne by the manufacturer, should not be included in the assessable value under Section 4. The reimbursement of these charges by the manufacturer to their dealers was claimed as abatement in relation to the normal transaction value. Therefore, PD/ charges and free ASS charges were not to be included in the assessable value for the purpose of paying excise duty.

Decision: Based on the above reasoning, the court decided that PD/ charges and free ASS charges would not be included in the assessable value under Section 4 for the purpose of paying excise duty.

Facts:

Dr. Janet Jeyapaul, the appellant, was a lecturer at SRM University.

She was promoted to Senior Lecturer but faced disciplinary action for alleged failure to take classes for certain degree courses.

Dr. Jeyapaul challenged the termination notice issued to her by filing a writ petition in the High Court.

Initially, the Single Judge allowed her petition, but SRM University appealed against this decision.

The Division Bench of the High Court held that the writ petition filed by Dr. Jeyapaul was not maintainable.

Issues:

Whether SRM University falls under the definition of "authority" under Article 12 of the Constitution.

Whether the writ petition filed by Dr. Jeyapaul is maintainable under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Held:

The Court held that SRM University, being engaged in imparting education and declared as a "Deemed University" by the Central Government under the University Grants Commission Act, fell under the definition of "authority" under Article 12 of the Constitution.

Therefore, it was subject to the writ jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 226. The Court also decided not to direct Dr. Jeyapaul to approach the Tribunal at this stage and instead remanded the case to the Division Bench of the High Court to decide the appeal on merits. The appeal is allowed.